SURVIVAL OF 3 TREE SPECIES ON OLD RECLAIMED SURFACE MINES IN OHIO

Early studies of mine reclamation emphasized trees for revegetating mi nesoils. Scientists of the USDA Forest Service transplanted four tree species in 1946 into leveled or unleveled overburden near Georgetown, OH, and into unleveled overburden near Dundee, OH. Black locust (Robin ina pseudoacacia L.) had good initial survival on both sites but died in later years due to locust borers (Megacyllene robiniae). Survival a nd growth of remaining white ash (Fraxinus americana L.), white pine ( Pinus strobus L.), and yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera I,.) wer e determined and soil properties examined on both sites in 1992. Mines oil bulk density in Georgetown leveled areas was similar (1,1 to 1.2 M g/m(3)) to unleveled areas in 1992. Minesoil pH was 7.7 and no nutrien t deficiencies were found. Bulk density at Dundee was 1.1 Mg/m(3) and minesoil pH was 4.2 with high exchangeable acidity, Al, and Fe concent rations. White ash had the best survival after 46 yr, averaging 43% in both leveling treatments at Georgetown and 33% at Dundee. White pine survival averaged 22% at Georgetown and 14% at Dundee. Yellow-poplar h ad poor survival (3%) on Georgetown leveled areas, 21% survival on Geo rgetown unleveled areas, and 17% survival at Dundee. White pine and ye llow-poplar trees were 4 to 6 m shorter on Georgetown leveled areas vs . unleveled areas. White ash height was similar between leveling treat ments and no height differences were seen for any species between Geor getown unleveled and Dundee. Volume for yellow-poplar ranged from 39 m (3)/ha on the Georgetown leveled area to 350 m(3)/ha on unleveled area s. Volumes roughly paralleled survival for white pine and yellow-popla r. Thirteen volunteer tree species were identified and they averaged 2 0% total tree basal area across the three areas. Maple (Acer sp.) and elm (Ulmus sp.) were two common volunteer trees. After 46 yr, these ar eas support a closed canopy of commercially valuable trees, providing soil stabilization, potential economic returns, and wildlife habitat. Eastern U.S. surface mine reclamation should emphasize tree planting a nd forests as postmining land uses. White ash is recommended on levele d or unleveled sites with alkaline or acidic minesoils.